MONROVIA – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed four active cases of the Monkey Pox (Mpox) virus across the country. Notably, the cases include two individuals from Montserrado County, one from Sinoe County, one from Grand Cape Mount County and another from Margibi County.
Addressing a joint Press conference Sunday, the Director General of NPHIL, Dr. Chris Dougbeh Nyan, stated that since 2024, NPHIL has instituted the 717 system intended to handle surveillance alert, receive the information, and address various alerts within seven days, and not more.
DG Nyan stated that through this robust system, with the joint efforts of both the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and technical assistance from the Africa Center for Disease Control, Liberia now has the capacity to test and sequence various pathogens with an assurance rate of 90% making it easier for allowing other neighboring countries including Sierra Leone to conduct their Mpox test here in Liberia.
He further told journalists that currently Liberia has the ability to address any form out health emergency within 72 hours, or less than 72 through the combine efforts of Liberia Health system through various level of cooperation and collaboration.
Dr. Nyan disclosed that prior to the additional active cases, Liberia had accounted for 78 active cases from November 2024-March 2025.
A total of 77 persons were discharged after the incubation period and sent home.
The remaining one patient, was still been treated prior to the discovery of the additional three, now bringing the total active Mpox cases in Liberia to four. He further stated during the press conference that upon notification, the Montserrado County health authorities made immediate contact with the individual and have transferred the patient to the National Infectious Disease Center for continuous professional medical care.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yowa Nemah, Program Manager, Expanded Program on Immunization, stated that the Ministry remains fully committed to maintaining public health safety across the country. Dr. Nemah urged all citizens to remain calm and adhere to the following precautionary measures by reporting symptoms promptly:
“Anyone experiencing rash, fever, headache or unusual symptoms is advised to avoid close contact with others and immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility,” he advised.
The Ministry of Health official assured the public that all confirmed cases will receive expert professional medical care at identified health facility.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry informs the public that Liberia has received Mpox vaccines. Vaccination is one of the counter measures to stop the human-to-human spread of Mpox. To date, over 2000 persons in the counties of Cape mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa and Sinoe counties, have been vaccinated against Mpox in Liberia.
In a significant development, NPHIL has also referenced a well-known celebrity, Jabateh, whose specimen has been collected for testing. Jabateh is currently receiving treatment at a designated healthcare facility.
In light of these developments, NPHIL has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic as the situation is being closely monitored.
Health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus and provide necessary care to those affected.
Citizens are encouraged to follow public health guidelines and stay informed through official channels.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Liberia has assured the public that the Government of Liberia has the capacity to contain the virus.
Mpox is a viral infection spread mainly by close contact with infected animals or humans. While most people recover within 2-4 weeks, some may experience severe illness, especially children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
It’s less contagious than flu or COVID-19 but can still spread in communities through direct or intimate contact.
The signs and symptoms of Mpox usually develop in two stages; the early stage with symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches (myalgia), back pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes which is a key symptom that differentiates Mpox from smallpox. These first stages’ symptoms come within (0–5 days).
The stage 2 symptoms of monkey pox are where the skin rash shows up (1–3 days after fever). The rashes start on the face, then spreads to arms, legs, hands, feet, and genitals. Rash turns into fluid-filled blisters, then scabs, then heals. Remember that these rashes can be painful and or itchy
How Is Mpox Spread? Mpox can be spread from animal to human through bites or scratches or by handling wild animal meat or fluids.
Human-to-human contact spreads through direct contact with rash, sores, body fluids, respiratory droplets due to prolonged close contact, contaminated objects like clothes, bedding, towels and through intimate contact, including sex.
Mpox is contagious, but not as easily spread as Ebola, COVID-19 or the flu. The incubation period is five to 21 days; however, most people show symptoms in six –13 days and the symptoms usually last 2 to 4 weeks. Most people recover fully.
